Page 37 of An Honorable Arrangement
They didn't have all night, but there was time enough as he pressed his lips lower, and she arched her back and moaned when he took one nipple into his mouth.
Her knee bent along his thigh, as he kissed lower, stopping to dip his tongue into her navel, which gained him a giggle. She was like the sweetest nectar, and he would never get enough. Dipping lower he tasted her before pulling her bottom from the bed. He wrapped his arms around her thighs and devoured, licked, suckled, and teased until she called out his name as her body tightened with release.
He made a trail of light kisses as he crawled over her and pulled her into his arms. "You are magnificent."
Pulling her knees up, he brought his shaft to her center.
She whispered, "I was a fool to think I could simply put you out of my sight, and that would take you from my heart. Forgive me."
"There is nothing to forgive, my love." He rolled away and lay on his side facing her.
A tear slid down her cheek. "I thought I was doing the right thing, the sensible thing, but I just ended up hurting us both. Lady Stapleton came to me and asked if I had changed my mind and that if I had, I should tell you rather than torture you. If I had known you were in pain…"
He brushed her hair out of her face. "How could I not be in pain to live without you? Sarah, promise me you will talk to me if ever you have any doubts or worries about anything. I know you have lived a life where you have had few confidants, but you can always tell me anything. I want to be your husband, but I hope to also be your friend."
She cupped his cheek. "You are the best friend I have ever had, and I almost ruined everything."
Kissing her palm, he laughed. "Do you think I would have let you go so easily? You do not know me well enough, sweet Sarah. I would fight dragons for your heart and even my mother."
A wide smile touched her eyes, making them even brighter and making her irresistible. He pulled her so that she lay atop him, and she straddled his hips. She stared down at him. "Am I to control our lovemaking?"
Unable to utter anything comprehensible as she sheathed him inside her, he watched with only a nod of agreement. Gripping her hips, he struggled to let her continue the maddeningly slow erotic pace. His body yearned for release.
"Sarah?"
She grinned down at him.
Monty pressed his thumb to her center and rubbed her sensitive bud until her hips rose and fell with the urgency he felt. As her body tightened around him, his release rocketed through him, and he pulled her into his embrace, muffling her cries with his kiss.
Sarah sighed against his cheek as they both relaxed.
"I wish I could stay here, but I must return to my bed lest your reputation be ruined." He regretted having to slide from the bed.
Half-lidded, she watched him pull on his breeches and blouse. Tucking his cravat into his pocket, he asked, "Will you save me the first dance at the ball tomorrow evening?"
"I shall save you all my dances, my lord." Her eyes slid closed.
He'd have given the world just to stay and watch her sleep all night long. With a sigh, he stepped from the room and went to his bed.
ChapterTwelve
Sarah spent a perfect day avoiding not Montgomery, but his mother and father. After a lovely trip to town with her fiancé, she'd had a long bath and tea in her room with Mary.
Lady Stapleton had sent the most stunning royal blue gown, and Mary had made small alterations so that it fit Sarah to perfection. As she looked in the glass, she hardly recognized herself. It was by far the most expensive garment she'd ever worn.
As she reached the bottom of the steps, heads turned, and for the first time, Sarah felt pretty rather than self-conscious. However, the look on Montgomery’s face made her the most beautiful woman in England.
By her side in a moment, he grinned, which warmed her to the bone. "You are so stunning, I can hardly catch my breath."
Her cheeks heated. "You are too kind."
"I am undone, my love." He kissed her hand.
Shushing him, she whispered, "Do not speak so loud, or you will alert the entire crowd, and then we shall be in terrible trouble with your mother and father."
A wicked grin played upon his lips. "We have the blessing of your guardians. I need nothing more. I have in mind to tell everyone who will listen tonight that you have done me the honor of agreeing to become my wife."
The hall was crowded with many times the number of people who had attended the house party. Several turned at Montgomery's decree.
